2017/8/12 – Tiger Mountain IV (West Tiger 1+2) / 虎山之四 (西虎1+2號)

Still feeling lazy after getting back from our trip to the Northern Pickets, so pups and I once again resorted to our own backyard for a low-key outing. A great excuse to get black pup out after his two-and-a-half-month hiatus, and we visited the remaining two high points of Tiger Mountain.

Following the same route as our previous hike back in June, we came to the 1,800′ trail junction and took West Tiger 1 Trail due southwest. We encountered many runners partaking in the Evergreen Trail Runs as they headed down the mountain.

At the next junction at 2,700′, we took a right onto Bypass Trail and hiked up to the radio facility, highest point on West Tiger 1. The “No Trespassing” signs meant we weren’t allowed to go beyond the gates, dang. So we got back on the trail and continued westward toward the lookout area just west of the radio facility.

Only one other person at the lookout with a big climbing pack when we arrived. We chatted awhile before she headed down to finish her loop training. Clouds filled in views to the south with not a whole lot to see; we didn’t stay long.

Continuing on the Bypass Trail, we hiked down to the saddle between the two West Tiger points, then up to West Tiger 2 summit. Another high point with a radio facility but zero views. We descended the Tiger Mountain K-3 Trail north of the summit after snapping a couple of photos.

Bottom of the trail was a junction with the main Tiger Mountain Trail. We made a right and hiked until we reached the High Point Trail junction, then continued east onto the Lingering Loop. Two hikers were confused by the signs at the Lingering Loop and couldn’t figure out how to get back to High Point Trailhead. Glad I had just come from the junction so I pointed out the way.

A short distance later, the Lingering Loop trail intersected with Dwight’s Way, which we followed down to the Dwight’s Way sign before making a left onto Preston Trail. We reconnected with Preston Powerline Trail down at the powerline clearing and hiked home.